Story perspectives

Senator Ernst Pushes COST Act to Combat Federal Fraud

3/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) promotes the COST Act to require detailed reporting on taxpayer dollars and combat fraud, citing recent cases of alleged fraudulent daycares in Minnesota.
The bill would require all recipients of federal funds to disclose the percentage of costs covered by these funds and the total amount received.
The Office of Management and Budget would oversee compliance.
Ernst says the measure would expose fraud and improve accountability.

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Story summary

Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) promotes the COST Act to require detailed reporting on taxpayer dollars and combat fraud, citing recent cases of alleged fraudulent daycares in Minnesota.
The bill would require all recipients of federal funds to disclose the percentage of costs covered by these funds and the total amount received.
The Office of Management and Budget would oversee compliance.
Ernst says the measure would expose fraud and improve accountability.